Amnesty International has called for urgent action to be taken on Khaled's case, acknowledging that "Courts have renewed Khaled al-Qazzaz’s detention repeatedly, without charge or trial, despite his deteriorating health."

I'm grateful to Amnesty for taking up my husband's case and putting out this call. Please consider responding to this urgent action and writing to the Egyptian authorities asking them to release Khaled and to provide him with the medical attention he desperately needs.

For more information, please read Amnesty's document by clicking on the picture below

Khaled has always been an advocate for women's rights. During his time as a civil servant, Khaled wanted to see positive transformations in Egypt in favour of gender equality. One of the people he worked with was Marwa Farouq. She shared an article with me that she wrote on her experience working with Khaled.

I am waiting for the day that Khaled will once again inspire others with his vision for a brighter tomorrow.

--------------------------

Social Justice for Women in Egypt

Social justice for women is an issue I have felt passionate about for many years. As a divorced single mother living in Egypt, I felt a connection to other Egyptian women – young and old – who, because of their circumstances had been deprived of their basic right to speak, contribute and blossom. My experience in Egypt had taught me that most of the social initiatives and community work dedicated to empowering women was limited. Existing initiatives did not aim to create a deep structural impact on how things are run in Egypt.

The day I walked into a meeting room in the presidency building, my vision for Egyptian women changed. I had been invited to meet with Khaled Al-Qazzaz to discuss a new women’s empowerment initiative. I knew very little about the project except that it was being developed under the presidency led by Dr. Morsi and that the opinions of a diverse, but trusted circle of experts was sought.

When I entered the room, the all-white décor gave me a cold sensation. There was a huge oval table with about seven women seated in black chairs. A man stood in the middle of the group. This was Khaled.. After welcomes and introductions, Khaled started sharing his vision for women in Egypt. That day, I knew I found my calling. My dream for deep and meaningful social justice for women in Egypt was on the verge of coming true.

His introduction included a vision that went beyond just making things better for women through education or simple policy recommendations. He had a dream of creating an integrated model for developing social justice and empowerment for women in Egypt. He dreamt it to be value- driven – not driven by the standards and concepts imported to us. He longed for it to be real and grounding for all those involved.

It was not just a dream but rather a vision with specific end in mind; it consisted of domains for development that included both physical, emotional, psychological, spiritual domains as well as an understanding of the layers of responsibility and accountability that lies within the government, the society, institutions and the individual. He not only focused on what women should learn, but rather the kind of consciousness we could aspire to have. What would enable us to create such consciousness and what sort of contributions did we dream of realizing for women in Egypt.

From that day forward, we have worked continuously with Khaled to make this dream a reality. As a leader Khaled did not rush us; he understood that in order to create a novel approach to social justice for women, one that created by us and for us, time was needed. Though we used existing models as leverage, we were always given the opportunity to critique these existing concepts and paradigms, to examine these frameworks and come up with ideas of our own. We were encouraged to look and examine matters in a holistic and integrated perspective.

Khaled’s open attitude and his appreciation of the strength of women was inspirational. He wanted to honour her choices. He wanted to integrate non-tangible aspects of contribution into our development model. One of these non-tangible aspects was the concept of serenity.

The concept of enabling a sense of serenity within every woman was novel. If we could achieve this, then this would contribute to her empowerment. We saw that this form of justice really exists in providing Egyptian women with integrated resources; health, education, media, self-actualization, infrastructure are all needed to help women achieve serenity.

Working with Khaled Al-Qazzaz was a life changing experience. His commitment to social justice and the empowerment of women continues to inspire and motivate me in my own journey.

My beloved husband, Khaled, has been #Gone500Days, unable to be by our side, unable to hug me, unable to kiss our children, unable to tell us all how much he loves us. But in his absence, I am simply overwhelmed by the love and support that I receive daily, not just from family and friends, but even from complete strangers!

I spoke about Khaled's story and my struggle to bring him home at the Being Me women's conference in Mississauga on Sunday. The attendees signed a tree of hope for me and filled it with "fingerprint leaves." My four children and I added our own marks, and now the beautiful tree of hope hangs in my living room, waiting for Khaled to return. With so much love and concern for us, truly hope grows!

You can #PayitForward4KQ, too! Do something kind on Khaled's behalf for your neighbours, coworkers or someone in need, then let us know about it by using our hashtags:

Since the Pay it Forward campaign for Khaled was launched to mark his 500 days in detention, more and more people having been responding to our call to pay forward Khaled's kindness and generosity in his absence.

Most recently, The Cupcake Shariff, a small baking company in Toronto, joined the #PayitForward4KQ initiative and baked 500 cookies. They wrote "We have been following the #PayitForward4KQ campaign and were motivated to contribute something from our baking team. 23 cups of flour, 3 hours of baking and 4 awesome workers later, we have 500 mini chocolate chip cookies!"

I joined some of Khaled's friends to distribute these cookies and was so touched and grateful by the responses. I hear so many positive messages from strangers and it helps me to keep going and keep fighting for Khaled to come home.

Sarah Attia is back at the University of Toronto, where her story with Khaled Al-Qazzaz began. They first met on campus while studying for their masters. 10 years after their marriage and 4 kids later, she’s back at U of T – but for a very different reason.

Khaled has been #Gone500Days, held without charge. Khaled is a human rights activist, a social reformer, and an inspirational educator.

Because Khaled has been imprisoned for the last 500 days, he has not been able to give charity, spread his positive message of hope, or give Sarah and her family the love they deserve.

In the spirit of all the positive and charitable acts Khaled constantly did for our family and those around him, we have come together to pay forward Khaled’s kindness, generosity and dedication with random acts of kindness and generosity.

It’s our hope that all of those touched by Khaled’s story, or those on the receiving end of the pay-it-forward initiatives will pay this small kindness forward to someone else in celebration of Khaled’s legacy.

We ask that anyone who has been touched by Khaled’s kindness or by his story, to pay it forward on his behalf. Do something kind or generous for your neighbour, a local charity, or even a stranger. Then tell us about it by posting on social media using our hashtags: #Gone500Days #PayitForward4KQ

If you want to organize a pay it forward initiative in your neighbourhood, at your school or within your community, send us a message and we’ll help you set it up!

On November 3 Khaled Al-Qazzaz’s lawyers attended the scheduled appeal of his latest detention renewal issued by a judge on October 28, 2014. Upon arriving they discovered the case was assigned to the same judge who passed the renewal decision. This resulted in an incorrect legal proceeding and therefore it was cancelled. The lawyers have been informed that the appeal has been re-scheduled to Tuesday November 11, 2014.

Khaled’s critical health condition will not allow for him to leave the hospital and attend his appeal.

Khaled has not been charged to date and no accusations have been provided to his legal team. November 15 will mark 500 days of his arbitrary detention.

Khaled's family hopes that the prosecutor general will issue a release on medical grounds in light of his ailing health. Khaled’s family and friends are looking forward to being re-united with him soon.

Background

Khaled Al-Qazzaz, a permanent resident of Canada and father of four young Canadian children, has been unlawfully detained without charge in Egypt for over 480 days. Khaled spends his days and nights in solitary confinement in a cramped insect-infested cell slightly larger than a broom closet in one of Egypt’s most notorious prisons. Khaled's health has deteriorated due to the conditions of his detainment and is at risk of permanent paralysis if not provided with appropriate medical care immediately.

Khaled Al-Qazzaz is an acclaimed educator, youth activist, human rights champion and revolutionary. Khaled was a staffer, bureaucrat and civil servant of a democratically elected government and he exercised his rights to freedom of expression and association peacefully.

Toronto-born Sarah Attia, Khaled’s wife, has been calling on the Canadian government and international community to urgently assist in securing Khaled’s immediate release.

Yesterday Khaled Al-Qazzaz’s lawyers were notified of the scheduled court appearance for November 4, 2014 to appeal his latest detention renewal. However, Khaled’s critical health condition did not allow for him to leave the hospital.

The lawyers attended the appeal but discovered it was assigned to the same judge who passed the renewal decision on October 28, 2014. This resulted in an incorrect legal proceeding and therefore it was cancelled.

Khaled was transferred to a hospital last Sunday October 26, 2014 for surgery. His situation is far worse than expected and remains critical. Khaled's family hopes that the prosecutor general will issue a release on medical grounds in light of his ailing health and nearly 500 days of detention without charge.

Background

Khaled Al-Qazzaz, a permanent resident of Canada and father of four young Canadian children, has been unlawfully detained without charge in Egypt for over 480 days. Khaled spends his days and nights in solitary confinement in a cramped insect-infested cell slightly larger than a broom closet in one of Egypt’s most notorious prisons. Khaled's health has deteriorated due to the conditions of his detainment and is at risk of permanent paralysis if not provided with appropriate medical care immediately.

Khaled Al-Qazzaz is an acclaimed educator, youth activist, human rights champion and revolutionary. Khaled was a staffer, bureaucrat and civil servant of a democratically elected government and he exercised his rights to freedom of expression and association peacefully.

Toronto-born Sarah Attia, Khaled’s wife, has been calling on the Canadian government and international community to urgently assist in securing Khaled’s immediate release.

Today Khaled Al-Qazzaz did not attend his renewal court appearance due to his critical medical condition. He had been transferred to hospital last Sunday October 26, 2014.

The prosecution did not attend the renewal hearing. The lawyer’s focused on three major arguments while addressing the judge. They raised the judge’s attention to Khaled’s critical medical condition, the arbitrary detention that has almost reached 500 days and the lack of any case presented by the prosecution to date after 16 months of investigation. The judge postponed the decision to the end of the business day where he announced his decision to once more renew Khaled’s detention.

Khaled’ family and Sarah Attia, Khaled's Canadian born wife, are very grateful that he has been transferred to hospital for treatment. However, there is a heightened concern about how serious his medical condition has reached. Khaled requires several surgeries and long term medical assistance to recover from the effects of the solitary confinement. Khaled’s arbitrary detention must come to an end so that he can be given the appropriate medical attention.

“Khaled needs to be re-united with our children and me and be allowed to return to his passion for education. Khaled was not a politician. He was an educator, an activist and dedicated his life to uplifting individuals and advancing communities. It’s time for him to come home,” says Sarah Attia.

Background

Khaled Al-Qazzaz, a permanent resident of Canada and father of four young Canadian children, has been unlawfully detained in Egypt for over 480 days. He has been held without charges for over one year now. Khaled currently spends his days and nights in solitary confinement in a cramped insect-infested cell slightly larger than a broom closet in one of Egypt’s most notorious prisons. Khaled's health has deteriorated due to the conditions of his detainment and is at risk of permanent paralysis if not provided with appropriate medical care immediately.

Khaled Al-Qazzaz is an acclaimed educator, youth activist, human rights champion and revolutionary. Khaled was a staffer, bureaucrat and civil servant of a democratically elected government and he exercised his rights to freedom of expression and association peacefully.

Toronto-born Sarah Attia, Khaled’s wife, has been calling on the Canadian government and international community to urgently assist in securing Khaled’s immediate release

Khaled’s lawyers have been notified that his next court appearance will take place on Tuesday October 28, 2014. On that day, a judge will decide whether Khaled should be released or if his detainment should continue for another 45 days. This will be Khaled’s 15th renewal if he is not released.

On September 23, 2014 international medical practitioners and health professionals signed an open letter sent to Egypt’s Office of the Public Prosecutor urging for release on medical grounds considering Khaled’s urgent need for surgery (http://goo.gl/gxjuhh). Since then Khaled was approved for a temporary release for his surgery and was transferred on Sunday October 26, 2014.

Sarah Attia, Khaled's Canadian born wife, has continued to call on the Canadian government and the international community to monitor Khaled’s court appearances and urgently assist in securing his immediate release. On November 15, 2014, Khaled will have reached 500 days of arbitrary detention. Khaled has still yet to be charged or have any accusations disclosed, and he continues to be held in arbitrary detention. Khaled’s family, friends and supporters are hoping for his release on October 28.

Background

Khaled Al-Qazzaz, a permanent resident of Canada and father of four young Canadian children, has been unlawfully detained in Egypt for over 475 days. He has been held without charges for over one year now. Khaled currently spends his days and nights in solitary confinement in a cramped insect-infested cell slightly larger than a broom closet in one of Egypt’s most notorious prisons.

Khaled Al-Qazzaz is an acclaimed educator, youth activist, human rights champion and revolutionist. Khaled was a staffer, bureaucrat and civil servant of a democratically elected government and he exercised his rights to freedom of expression and association peacefully.

Toronto-born Sarah Attia, Khaled’s wife, has been calling on the Canadian government and in international community for help for over seven months but Khaled’s release has not been secured.

Sarah Attia, Khaled Al-Qazzaz’s Canadian wife, has been informed by Khaled’s family in Cairo that his transfer to a hospital for surgery has been approved. Khaled will be moved from Tora prison on Sunday October 26 to begin his surgery.

On September 23 Sarah submitted an ‘Open Letter from International Medical Practitioners’ to Egypt’s Office of the Public Prosecutor, Egypt’s Deputy Assistant Minister of Foreign Affairs for Human Rights, and Egypt’s National Council for Human Rights. Khaled's legal team submitted an application for a release on medical grounds and an application for temporary release to allow for his immediate surgery.

In recent months, Khaled has complained that his health has become far worse. He feels extreme pain in his back and legs which is now spreading to his eyes and stomach.

On November 15, 2014, Khaled will have reached 500 days of arbitrary detention. Khaled has still yet to be charged or have any accusations disclosed, and he continues to be held in arbitrary detention.

Khaled Al-Qazzaz is an acclaimed educator, youth activist, human rights champion and revolutionist. The international community has spoken out for the release of other activists but remains silent on Khaled’s arbitrary detention while Khaled is currently the longest political prisoner detained in Egypt, being held in solitary confinement in a maximum security prison.

In light of Egypt’s review at the United Nations in early November 2014 and the continued violation of Khaled’s human rights, we request that the United Nation’s Human Rights Council (UN HRC) continue its call for Khaled’s immediate and unconditional release. We call on the Canadian Government, the European Union (EU) and the international community to urgently assist in securing the immediate release of Khaled Al-Qazzaz.

Background

Khaled Al-Qazzaz, a permanent resident of Canada and father of four young Canadian children, has been unlawfully detained in Egypt for over 475 days. He has been held without charges for over one year now. Khaled currently spends his days and nights in solitary confinement in a cramped insect-infested cell slightly larger than a broom closet in one of Egypt’s most notorious prisons.

Khaled Al-Qazzaz is an acclaimed educator, youth activist, human rights champion and revolutionist. Khaled was a staffer, bureaucrat and civil servant of a democratically elected government and he exercised his rights to freedom of expression and association peacefully.

Toronto-born Sarah Attia, Khaled’s wife, has been calling on the Canadian government for help for over seven months but little progress has been made.

Today Khaled appeared in court for the 45-day detention renewal. He has not been charged and no accusations have been provided to him or his family.

Khaled was transferred early morning from Tora maximum security prison to the court house. Family was not allowed to attend. Both the Canadian and Switzerland Embassies sent delegates to monitor Khaled’s legal proceedings, however, the court security denied them access.

Both Khaled and his lawyers had an opportunity to speak and each focused on Khaled’s critical health conditions. The judge did not give any attention to this issue and once again renewed Khaled’s detainment for another 45 days, for the 14th time, without reason.

Khaled will next appear in front of a judge for renewal in mid-October. He will then have reached 500 days of arbitrary detention in solitary confinement; being the longest detained political prisoner since July 3, 2013 in Egypt.

Recently, activists including Alaa Abdelfatah and Mehinour El-Masry, who were unlawfully charged and facing trials, have been released. Their cases had received widespread international attention and their release is welcomed and is a sign of hope for all activists. Like them, Khaled is an acclaimed educator, youth activist, human rights champion and revolutionary. Khaled spent the 18 days of the January 25 revolution in Tahrir Square in belief of a free and democratic Egypt.

The United Nations Human Rights Council has issued an opinion stating that Khaled should be released. The international community should likewise demand Khaled’s immediate release.

Background

Khaled Al-Qazzaz, a permanent resident of Canada and father of four young Canadian children, has been unlawfully detained in Egypt for over 445 days. He has been held without charges for over one year now. Khaled currently spends his days and nights in solitary confinement in a cramped insect infested cell slightly larger than a broom closet in one of Egypt’s most notorious prisons.

Khaled Al-Qazzaz is an acclaimed educator, youth activist, human rights champion and revolutionist. Khaled was a staffer, bureaucrat and civil servant of a democratically elected government and he exercised his rights to freedom of expression and association peacefully.

Toronto-born Sarah Attia, Khaled’s wife, has been calling on the Canadian government for help for over two months but little progress has been made.

Today Khaled lawyers arrived in court to be informed that Khaled wasn't brought into court because of "conditions in the prison". There was no further information provided and it is unclear as to what conditions would deter Khaled’s transfer.

The detention renewal court appearance has been postponed to Monday September 22, 2014.

The Canadian and Switzerland Embassies in Cairo both sent diplomats to monitor the court proceedings. Sarah Attia, Khaled's Canadian born wife, has continued to call on the Canadian government and the international community to monitor Khaled’s court appearances and urgently assist in securing his immediate release. She hope's further states will support Khaled’s appeal for justice and join in monitoring this case of clear arbitrary detention.

Background

Khaled Al-Qazzaz, a permanent resident of Canada and father of four young Canadian children, has been unlawfully detained in Egypt for over 440 days. He has been held without charges for over one year now. Khaled currently spends his days and nights in solitary confinement in a cramped insect infested cell slightly larger than a broom closet in one of Egypt’s most notorious prisons. Khaled's health has deteriorated due to the conditions of his detainment and is at risk of permanent paralysis if not provided with appropriate medical care immediately.

Khaled Al-Qazzaz is an acclaimed educator, youth activist, human rights champion and revolutionist. Khaled was a staffer, bureaucrat and civil servant of a democratically elected government and he exercised his rights to freedom of expression and association peacefully.

Toronto-born Sarah Attia, Khaled’s wife, has been calling on the Canadian government and the international community to urgently assist in securing his immediate release.

Khaled’s lawyers have been notified that his next court appearance will take place on Tuesday September 16, 2014. On that day, a judge will decide whether Khaled should be released or if his detainment should continue for another 45 days. This will be Khaled’s 14th renewal if he is not released.

International medical practitioners and health professionals are signing an open letter to the prosecutor urging for a medical pardon considering Khaled’s urgent need for surgery. The lawyers hope to present this letter to the prosecutor general in hope of securing Khaled’s release.

Sarah Attia, Khaled's Canadian born wife,has continued to call on the Canadian government and the international community to monitor Khaled’s court appearances and urgently assist in securing his immediate release.

Background

Khaled Al-Qazzaz, a permanent resident of Canada and father of four young Canadian children, has been unlawfully detained in Egypt for over 440 days. He has been held without charges for over one year now. Khaled currently spends his days and nights in solitary confinement in a cramped insect infested cell slightly larger than a broom closet in one of Egypt’s most notorious prisons. Khaled's health has deteriorated due to the conditions of his detainment and is at risk of permanent paralysis if not provided with appropriate medical care immediately.

Khaled Al-Qazzaz is an acclaimed educator, youth activist, human rights champion and revolutionist. Khaled was a staffer, bureaucrat and civil servant of a democratically elected government and he exercised his rights to freedom of expression and association peacefully.

Toronto-born Sarah Attia, Khaled’s wife, has been calling on the Canadian government and the international community to urgently assist in securing his immediate release.

On August 6, 2014, after being held without charge for 400 days, a Cairo judge extended Khaled Al-Qazzaz's detainment for another 45 days.

Today, Khaled appeared in front of another judge to appeal that decision. Khaled and his lawyers had an opportunity to present their case. They argued that after 434 days without charge and his deteriorating health, Khaled should be released immediately. The judge rejected the appeal without reason.

Sarah Attia, Khaled's Canadian born wife, has continued to call on the Canadian government and the international community to monitor Khaled’s court appearances and urgently assist in securing his immediate release. The Canadian Embassy in Cairo sent a representative to attend.

Khaled will appear in front of a judge again next week for his 45 day renewal. Until then, Khaled’s family and friends will continue to advocate for his release. They continue to hope that the United Nations Human Rights Council, while in session this month, takes a stance on the human rights crisis in Egypt and calls on Egypt to comply with its opinion issued in November 2013 for Khaled’s immediate and unconditional release.

Last week Khaled and Sarah's four young children started school for the second year in a row without their father. They miss him dearly and hope that he comes home soon.

Background

Khaled Al-Qazzaz, a permanent resident of Canada and father of four young Canadian children, has been unlawfully detained in Egypt for over 430 days. He has been held without charges for over one year now. Khaled currently spends his days and nights in solitary confinement in a cramped insect infested cell slightly larger than a broom closet in one of Egypt’s most notorious prisons. Khaled's health has deteriorated due to the conditions of his detainment and is at risk of permanent paralysis if not provided with appropriate medical care immediately.

Khaled Al-Qazzaz is an acclaimed educator, youth activist, human rights champion and revolutionist. Khaled was a staffer, bureaucrat and civil servant of a democratically elected government and he exercised his rights to freedom of expression and association peacefully.

Toronto-born Sarah Attia, Khaled’s wife, has been calling on the Canadian government and the international community to urgently assist in securing his immediate release.

Lawyers of Canadian permanent resident, Khaled Al-Qazzaz, have informed Sarah Attia, his Toronto-born wife, that Khaled will be in court again on Wednesday September 10, for the appeal of the extension of his detainment. On August 6, 2014 a judge extended Khaled's continued detainment without charge for another 45 days.

Sarah, her family and thousands of supporters across Canada are hoping that Khaled will receive justice on Wednesday and be re-united with his family.

Khaled is the longest detained political prisoner in Egypt, imprisoned since July 3, 2013. 434 days of detainment without charge is unequivocally arbitrary detention and should not be allowed by any justice system.

Several days ago Khaled’s family visited him in Tora prison. They found that his health conditions have severely deteriorated. He is experiencing continuous extensive pain. Eight independent Canadian physician assessments of an MRI from June 2014 have found that Khaled’s solitary confinement is exacerbating pressure on his nerves and if left untreated, Khaled will be at risk of permanent paralysis and at risk of failure in his respiratory muscles or phrenic nerve, which controls breathing and could result in death. The family is hoping that the prosecutor and judge will release him on medical grounds.

“Khaled did not break any laws. He only served the Egyptian people trying to bring positive change to Egypt. He does not deserve this injustice,” says Sarah. “I assume that after 434 days the prosecutor’s office has completed investigations and found nothing. It is time to release him.”

Khaled Al-Qazzaz, a permanent resident of Canada and father of four young Canadian children, has been unlawfully detained in Egypt for over 430 days. He has been held without charges for over one year now. Khaled currently spends his days and nights in solitary confinement in a cramped insect infested cell slightly larger than a broom closet in one of Egypt’s most notorious prisons.

Khaled Al-Qazzaz is an acclaimed educator, youth activist, human rights champion and revolutionist. Khaled was a staffer, bureaucrat and civil servant of a democratically elected government and he exercised his rights to freedom of expression and association peacefully.

Toronto-born Sarah Attia, Khaled’s wife, has been calling on the Canadian government for help for over two months but little progress has been made.

431 DaysSarah Attia Visits the United Nations to Advocate for Khaled Al-Qazzaz's Release

Sarah Attia, Khaled Al-Qazzaz’s Canadian-born wife, visited Geneva from August 25 to August 29 2014 to meet with the United Nations Office of the High Commissioner and its human rights bodies.

In November 2013, four months after Khaled’s initial disappearance, the Working Group for Arbitrary Detention of the United Nations Human Rights Council called for the immediate release of Khaled and other aide’s of the former Egyptian President. Since then, neither the Egyptian authorities nor other UN permanent member states have taken the appropriate steps to remedy the situation.

During this recent trip, Sarah updated the UN human rights bodies on Khaled’s current conditions and his ailing health and called on the UN and its permanent members to urgently assist in securing his immediate release. It is clear to the international community that Khaled is innocent of any wrong doing and the cruel conditions he is facing should be stopped.

In early November 2014, Egypt will be undergoing its Universal Periodic Review of its human rights record. Human Rights Organizations including but not limited to Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch are hoping that the United Nations Human Rights Council will act to address the deteriorating human rights situation in Egypt and promote accountability for past violations in the country (see joint statement).

Khaled’s family has been informed that an appeal of the most recent renewal has been submitted and Khaled may appear in front of a judge on Sunday or Monday of the upcoming week.

Sarah has been advocating for the release of her husband since he was detained in July 2013. She has been lobbying the Canadian government and other countries to intervene for his freedom since April 2014.

Khaled Al-Qazzaz, a permanent resident of Canada and father of four young Canadian children, has been unlawfully detained in Egypt for over 430 days. He has been held without charges for over one year now. Khaled currently spends his days and nights in solitary confinement in a cramped insect infested cell slightly larger than a broom closet in one of Egypt’s most notorious prisons.

Khaled Al-Qazzaz is an acclaimed educator, youth activist, human rights champion and revolutionist. Khaled was a staffer, bureaucrat and civil servant of a democratically elected government and he exercised his rights to freedom of expression and association peacefully.

Toronto-born Sarah Attia, Khaled’s wife, has been calling on the Canadian government for help for over two months but little progress has been made.

Khaled is in his 415th day of unlawful detainment! As we spend our days enjoying family and friends, he sits in solitary confinement waiting for every hour to pass, hoping that something will change.

We need to continue to push forward, attempting every strategy we can to get him released. For this, we request your immediate financial assistance. Please donate generously to our campaign via our Gofundme page at http://www.gofundme.com/freekhaledalqazzaz

Our latest project is a U.N. trip for Sarah Attia.

Your donations will fund:

U.N. and other applications

Airfare, internal travel, and accommodation

Expert consultations

In addition to the UN initiative, donations will support ongoing work:

Rally materials

Event booking fees

Communications (web hosting, newswires, long-distance conferencing)

Khaled worked to make the world a better place, promoting human rights and freedom for all. Let's do the same -- Free Khaled!

402 DaysAmnesty International Issues an Urgent Call for Action for Khaled’s Release Due to Medical Complications

Today Amnesty International issued an URGENT ACTION to its members and the international community, asking its over 3 million supporters in over 150 countries to write immediately to Egypt’s Public Prosecutor, President, and Deputy Assistant Minister of Foreign Affairs for Human Rights.

Amnesty International is calling for the immediate release of Khaled Al-Qazzaz, a permanent resident of Canada and father of four young Canadian children, who has been unlawfully detained in Egypt for over 400 days.

35-year-old Khaled’s health has deteriorated significantly. A recent MRI and medical reports show that he is at risk of permanent disability and paralysis if not provided with critical treatment. His medical complications are exasperated due to the poor conditions that he is having to endure as a result of his illegal detainment.

Sarah Attia, Khaled’s Canadian-born wife, is calling on those supporting her in advocating for Khaled’s release and on all people who stand with justice to immediately write letters. The URGENT ACTION and additional details can be found in the following link – Amnesty Urgent Action Document

Khaled Al-Qazzaz, a permanent resident of Canada and father of four young Canadian children, has been unlawfully detained in Egypt for over 400 days. He has been held without charges for over one year now. Khaled currently spends his days and nights in solitary confinement in a cramped insect infested cell slightly larger than a broom closet in one of Egypt’s most notorious prisons.

Khaled Al-Qazzaz is an acclaimed educator, youth activist, human rights champion and revolutionist. Khaled was a staffer, bureaucrat and civil servant of a democratically elected government and he exercised his rights to freedom of expression and association peacefully.

Toronto-born Sarah Attia, Khaled’s wife, has been calling on the Canadian government for help for over two months but little progress has been made.

After delaying his decision by 1 day, the judge announced this morning that Khaled’s detainment would be renewed for another 45 days.

Yesterday, Khaled’s lawyers presented their case for his immediate release. Today’s decision was not substantiated in any way, and neither the prosecution nor the judge offered any information about why Khaled was being held.

Khaled’s lawyers intend on immediately submitting an appeal to this decision.

Khaled Al-Qazzaz, a permanent resident of Canada and father of four young Canadian children, has been unlawfully detained in Egypt for over 400 days. He has been held without charges for over one year now. Khaled currently spends his days and nights in solitary confinement in a cramped insect infested cell slightly larger than a broom closet in one of Egypt’s most notorious prisons.

Khaled Al-Qazzaz is an acclaimed educator, youth activist, human rights champion and revolutionist. Khaled was a staffer, bureaucrat and civil servant of a democratically elected government and he exercised his rights to freedom of expression and association peacefully.

Toronto-born Sarah Attia, Khaled’s wife, has been calling on the Canadian government for help for over two months but little progress has been made.

On July 3, 2013, the Egyptian military forcibly and illegally detained Khaled Al-Qazzaz, a Canadian-educated mechanical engineer, human rights activist and former school principal. His Toronto-born wife, Sarah Attia, has been raising awareness about his situation with the hopes of bringing him back home to her and their four children.